AGR Quality Label

Thanks to the unique sole technology, Joya uses the positive effect provided by the soft elastic material underneath in order to support the musculoskeletal system. The German Association "Aktion Gesunder Rücken" (abbreviated AGR) awarded Joya its AGR Quality Label and recommends Joya as being particularly good for the back.

The AGR Quality Label provides consumers with the optimal orientation when purchasing ergonomic products and helps them to avoid making unwanted purchases.

The difficulty for consumers is to recognise which product supports the spine and the musculoskeletal system optimally, while, at the same time, relieving and not causing stress and strain. In the case of the majority of our products, you do not directly recognise their back-friendly design and preventive effect against back pain. The AGR Quality Label is the perfect help in this case as it is independent of the industry and retail. The high level of acceptance achieved by the AGR Quality Label among experts is thanks to the strict test criteria of an independent commission of medical experts which the AGR came up with in conjunction with the two largest German back training associations.

Study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology’s (ETH)

To investigate the influence of Joya shoes on people’s gait when walking, and to study the forces acting on their feet, the Biomechanics Institute at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) carried out a study using a gait analysis. This study involved twelve test subjects and looked into the sequence of movements when walking barefoot, in Joyas, in KyBoots and in MBTs. The analysis used high-speed video recordings of foot strike, kinetic measurements of the ground reaction force and kinematic measurements of body position and movement.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology’s results speak in favour of Joya

In the first heel-strike phase, the cushioning effect of the Joya sole reduces the forces affecting the body considerably (by a factor of 2 to 5) compared with walking/running barefoot.

Joya produces a far greater range of motion as the sole’s soft, supple structure makes it very yielding. When we walk barefoot on an uneven, natural surface (on sand, uphill, downhill, etc.), the range of motion is also naturally larger. The soft, supple structure of the sole makes it likely that more effort will be required, more energy burned and the muscles will get more exercise.

The Swiss shoe manufacturer Joya develops and distributes back-friendly shoes. Joya enables a unique walking sensation and mimics the natural rolling movement. According to the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V.), all of Joya’s shoes are especially back-friendly and distinguished with the coveted AGR quality seal. The soft patented Joya sole ensures optimal pressure distribution under the sole of the foot. This prevents plantar stress concentrations. Joya causes the foot to sink in while stepping, which in turn causes the hip to drop down on that side. The muscles in the back must be stabilized by this movement, which can also have a positive effect on back problems. The strong cushioning effect of the soft PU sole reduces the pressure on the spine, which can provide a beneficial effect.